Rest in peace, Michael Jackson

Two weeks ago today, we lost a legend. Michael Jackson left the world and his unparalleled music catalog behind at 2:26 p.m. on June 25, 2009.

News of the loss caused me to be in denial for three days following his death. He was only 50 years old. How could a heart that kept the beat inside a musical genius’s body suddenly stop?

Michael Jackson lived a controversial life, but despite the numerous accusations and negative media coverage throughout his career, he passionately contributed his remarkable talents to the world.

I became a fan in 2001 after watching the Jackson 5’s 30th anniversary celebration. When I graduated six years later, I was told by teachers and friends that I would be remembered as “the girl who had an obsession with Michael Jackson.”

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I never considered it an obsession; I just couldn’t get enough of his music. And I’ll never forget, with special thanks to my sixth-grade teacher, when my love for the King of Pop was recognized at our sixth-grade awards ceremony at the end of the year.

“Long live Michael Jackson!” she shouted to my class, casting a smile in my direction and ending her farewell speech to the sound of applause.

When I hear Michael’s music or see his face, many sixth- and seventh-grade memories always come to mind.

During those years, I listened to Michael during the bus rides to and from school every day. I decorated my room with Michael Jackson pictures and memorabilia, including several large posters in each corner of my room.

My mom even helped me create iron-on T-shirts with Michael’s picture on them. I also turned an old pair of pants into what are still referred to as “Kayla’s Michael Jackson pants.” The front of those pants, which are still in my closet, have Michael written vertically on the right leg and Jackson written in the same fashion on the left leg. The back is adorned with hand-written lyrics from songs on each of his albums. I wore those jeans and T-shirts to school at least once a week.

I remember making myself a Michael Jackson pillowcase. And when I turned 13, Michael Jackson appeared on my birthday cake.

After watching the “Black or White” video in seventh grade, I wanted my hair to be curly like Michael Jackson’s. I followed through with that plan when I got a perm a few days later.

I’ll also never forget a birthday party at my friend Jess’s house the summer before we entered junior high. I brought my Michael Jackson hat and taught my friends some dance moves that I picked up from watching his music videos. I showed off in the same way at our school’s Halloween dance a few months later.

One of my most recent Michael Jackson memories occurred during my senior prom. My friends requested — even though it was inevitably going to be played anyway — “Thriller” for me. It’s one of the only songs I can remember dancing to that night.

Maybe it does sound like I “had it bad” for Michael Jackson, but I can’t be more proud of that. He was an inventor who won 13 Grammys and holds the record for the best-selling album in music history. Simply put, the man was brilliant.

I own every single Michael Jackson CD, including all the Jackson 5 albums, along with his VHS tapes that contain his groundbreaking music videos. I essentially “moonwalked” through his collection, discovering Michael’s music from his most recent release at the time to the music he created with his brothers.

By ignoring the tabloids, I was always able to see the good in Michael Jackson, including his dedication to helping people around the world. Casting aside the rumors allows his music to be heard clearly. So I hope that is how Michael will be remembered — for his gift and love of music.

I am still mourning the death of the moonwalking phenomenon who is leaving behind an incredible legacy. I am deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic death, but he will continue to be an inspiration to me and his songs will always cue some of my fondest memories.

I can’t help but picture the musical icon slipping on his white glove and black hat. And just as he prepares to take a final bow, his spine won’t cooperate because his music begins to play . . . signifying that his presence will never leave this wide, perfectly-lit stage that we call life.